Software Helps Calculate Spousal Support

In making an award of spousal support, Ohio courts are supposed to utilize the statutory factors set forth in ORC sec. 3105.18(B). However, a review of the decisions shows that spousal support awards are both inconsistent and becoming more of an exception rather than the rule. As contrasted with cases involving child support, where the courts employ a different set of statutory factors and rely on a computation worksheet to attempt to allocate child support between an obligor and an obligee, there are no court-sanctioned computation worksheets for spousal support.  Puritas Springs, a local company from Hinckley, Ohio, tries to offer some guidance with its "Ohio Spousal Support Calculator Pretrial & Trial Preparation Tool," also called MA (Marital Aid). According to Puritas Springs, MA not only calculates proposed spousal support, but it also calcuates child support, addresses tax issues, and analyzes family budgets. It is like getting Puritas Springs' revised child support guidelines product (WROCSG), plus a lot more. Although the Law Library currently purchases the WROCSG product, it is considering converting to the MA product to assist local courts and attorneys who need to determine a proper award for spousal support.